Although below-grade waterproofing and insulation are out of sight, they are integral to a building’s thermal performance. Build better energy efficient homes from the ground up. Even though the parts of buildings that are below grade are less susceptible to the impact of extreme outdoor temperatures, when you have cold dirt, you have a cold basement. Unless the basement is insulated, this year-round cold dirt is slowly costing homeowners more money as their home will consume more energy to keep it warm. Additionally, water is the enemy of insulation. Damp insulation is less effective at blocking the flow of heat than is dry insulation, and can degrade the material over time. So, it is especially important in below-grade applications to consider the management of unwanted moisture. While there are countless steps you can take to make homes more energy efficient, starting from the ground up is the best approach.

Instructor: Mark LaLiberte